Class of 2026 Recruiting Notebook

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are still some talented prospects remaining on the board in the 2026 class.&nbsp; Here we dive into the latest in recruitments with several top players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105360' first='Lincoln' last='Williams'] (Kankakee)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams has remained the top prospect in the class for well over a year.&nbsp; The explosive wing with two way ability told us that he is planning on rescheduling his visit to Arizona State who has been in contact with him.&nbsp; Southern Illinois is also heavily involved in this recruitment as he has visited the Salukis.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552475' first='Marquis' last='Clark'] (Whitney Young)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top guard in the state of Illinois will make his college announcement this upcoming Wednesday, October 15 at 6:15 PM which will be held at his high school.&nbsp; The schools he has visited include Southern Illinois, Iona, Western Michigan, and IPFW.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2105376' first='Colin' last='Stack'] (Benet)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stack's recruitment is starting to heat up.&nbsp; The 7'1” center who is an elite shot blocker with skill around the hoop and is a lob threat is gaining some helium.&nbsp; He visited North Dakota State this past weekend.&nbsp; SIU-Edwardsville will get a visit next weekend.&nbsp; He is also setting up an official to UIC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874810' first='Jayden' last='Riley'] (Yorkville Christian)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riley is one of the best lead guards in the state.&nbsp; He visited Montana State this past weekend.&nbsp; Other schools in the mix for a visit and his services are SIU-Edwardsville, Long Island, South Carolina State, and South Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552440' first='Adam' last='Anwar'] (McHenry)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the most coveted high academic prospects on the board is Anwar.&nbsp; The power forward is tough around the basket and can stretch the floor.&nbsp; His finalists are Johns Hopkins and Wash U.&nbsp; He is expected to make a decision in the next 48 hours.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2876529' first='Aris' last='Morgan'] (Rock Island)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morgan had a good summer and then exploded at the Prep Hoops EXPO in August showcasing some stretch ability in addition to his physicality around the hoop.&nbsp; He tells us he has taken a visit to Rock Valley College.&nbsp; Hutchinson CC has been involved with him along with a ton of other schools.&nbsp; Some he mentioned were Michigan Tech, Missouri S&amp;T, and South Dakota School of Mines.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2277698' first='Miccah' last='Butler'] (Edwardsville)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Butler is one of the more under-appreciated players in the 2026 class flying under the radar, but we are big fans of this shooter with size.&nbsp; He tells us that he has visited Illinois-Springfield where he holds an offer and also plans on taking a trip to Drury soon.&nbsp; McKendree has shown recent interest.&nbsp; During the summer he heard from SEMO and SIU-Edwardsville.&nbsp; Timeline for a call is still up in the air.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Commitments</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1501486' first='Ben' last='Akoro'] (O'Fallon)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Akoro is among the best players this year in the metro east.&nbsp; The 2026 small forward is a versatile player with a feathery mid-range game, plus passing, and a ton of upside as a two way player.&nbsp; He committed recently to UW-Milwaukee.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->